Fertile Ground – Inspiration Offering Refuge
The American Heritage dictionary gives the worldly meaning of “refuge,” but there is also a spiritual dimension to the word’s definition. Scripture is full of references to giving and seeking refuge from the things of this world in Our Father’s arms. As the news is full of stories highlighting the plight of those seeking sanctuary from evil and murderous regimes, maybe there are deeper lessens to be learned in these times. Some questions we might ask ourselves about our capacity to be and become safe harbors for those in need are these: *Do
I offer a shoulder to cry on, and a big ear to listen to my friends and family’s
woes? Or do I spout out quick, knee jerk responses and “solutions” to their
quandaries? *Am
I judgmental and uncharitable when someone in need crosses my path? Is my way and opinion
the only one that counts? Do thoughts cross my mind, such as “Well, he deserves to be
homeless because he doesn’t have enough gumption to go find a job,” or “She
should listen to me because I know I’m right!” or “If they don’t like
it, they can get the hell out of here and go back to their own country”? *When
someone is in pain from a traumatic life event (death, divorce, job loss, illness) do I
try to offer asylum to the person through emotional, spiritual, or physical caring? Or do
I leave this help to others who “aren’t so busy,” or “know them
better”? *As
opportunities arise, do I kindly shelter or give aid to my less fortunate brothers and
sisters? Am I too busy or broke to offer my gifts of stewardship (time, talent, treasure)
for their use? Do I pray for safety for those who are marginalized, tormented, and/or
exiled? A letter written by a refuge that sought the safety of American shores in 1999 is quite poignant. He is a member of a Muslim family from Kosova, Yugoslavia that had to bear the constant terror of ethnic cleansing. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge sponsored the relocation of his family to the US. The Keith and Corliss Kimball family took them all in. Most of the refuge family members eventually returned to their homeland to rebuild their lives, but Asllan Bytyqi chose to return to the US to seek citizenship. Asllan’s words speak to the peace we can bring about through our willingness to be places of safety, both spiritually and physically, for those who need us. “My name is Asllan Bytyqi. I was born in Fush, Kosova. In 1999, I left because of war. The only places in America I had ever heard of were Washington and New York. I was 15-years-old when my family left our home which was burned down by the Serbs. We had to leave my only brother with a doctor in the city because he was shot. We walked to Macedonia and lived in tents for three months and did not know where we would go next. When we were asked if we wanted to come to America, we were glad because the soldiers treated us so good. This was the first time I met soldiers who did not frighten me. “We arrived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a place I had never heard of before. Even though we were glad to get away from war, we were scared that the Americans would not like us. We were surprised when we got off the plane to see lots of people (from Church) who welcomed us and helped my family…I learned how to speak English quickly. “…My father decided we should go back home. He had worked and saved enough to build our house again. I was happy to go to my country, but I was also sad to leave all of my American friends. I spent six months building my home again but I called my American friends who I call Mama and Daddy to tell them I wanted to come back to the US…and finish high school. “Even though I miss my family in Kosova, I feel like I belong to my American family. I am a Muslim but do not practice my faith like my grandfather does. I only know that our religion does not believe in killing innocent people…I see now that (we all) think alike because we all believe in God and being good to others. “When I heard the news of the attack on America, I was sitting in class…(and) it was like something that I thought only happened in my country. When I heard everyone talking about Muslims I was afraid they would think I agreed with what the terrorists did. When I talked to my American family, they said that there are good and bad in every country and understood that not all Muslims believe in violence. They gave me hope for my own religion even though it is not theirs, but I am still worried about what people will think of me. “…I used to like to watch action movies, but since the (terrorist activities), I only watch the news. Even though I do not cry out loud, I am crying in my heart…for the families looking for the people they love. I understand because I looked for my brother for over a year before police found his body…The USA was the first country to send soldiers to protect us from the terrorists who destroyed my country. They did not care what religion we were. They cared about us as people. Americans do whatever they have to for peace in our world. “My father went to the nearest city of Prishtina to give blood for the victims…He did not have money to help in other ways, but wanted to do something for the people who did so much for our family. “Ever since I met the American soldiers in Macedonia, I wanted to be one too, so I could fight those who attack peaceful people. Even though I miss my brother, I am proud of him for dying for freedom. I have an American brother who is a Marine and I hope that he will come home safe if this country goes to war. I wish I could go to fight with him. “My dream is to become an American citizen…God bless Kosova. God bless America. God bless our world with peace.”
SIDE BAR Scriptural References on offering refuge – Joshua 21:38 – Psalm 7:1 – Angie Ledbetter can be contacted at AngieDLed@aol.com
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